Area Agencies Research Articles

‘It Took a Pandemic.’ Initial Impacts of the Pandemic and Public Health Orders on Area Agencies on Aging in Los Angeles County

‘It Took a Pandemic.’ Initial Impacts of the Pandemic and Public Health Orders on Area Agencies on Aging in Los Angeles County

Using guest speakers to influence graduate social work students to work with older adults

ABSTRACT Social work programs are grappling with changing students’ attitudes about working with older adults. Our study aimed to understand whether adding a guest speaker working in the field into weekly content would influence students’ attitudes about working with older adults. We conducted an exploratory study using a cross-sectional design with a pre and posttest to answer our question. Eighteen MSW students were enrolled in the ‘Social Work with Older Adults’ course and 17 students completed the pre-posttests. Willingness to work with older adults was measured using the “Willingness to Work with Elderly People Scale (WEPS). Guest speakers were recruited from local area agencies on aging. A significant finding was a statistically significant (t= −3.31, p < .01) increase from pre- (M = 3.59, SD = 1.54) to posttest (M = 4.88, SD = 1.22) scores for item, ‘My professors advise me to consider aged care career.’ In addition, there were statistically significant pre to posttest differences for all items of ‘Perceived Behavioral Control’ and ‘Intention toward working with older adults’ reflecting competence, training, skills, and capabilities to work with older adults, suggesting guest speakers may play a crucial role as influential sources to positively shape students’ attitudes and intentions toward working with older adults.

Institutional fragmentation in United States protected area agencies and its impact on budget processes

PurposeProtected areas, lands and seas set aside for nature conservation, are the main tool for governments to conserve biodiversity. The complexity of government processes, however, can lead to fragmentation in protected area systems. Institutional fragmentation can preclude central coordination and undermine funding and performance. Here, we examine the impact of institutional fragmentation on budgets for protected area agencies in the United States, an important actor in the global conservation movement.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses visual text and network analysis with agency budget documents to examine linkages between agencies. These findings are triangulated with semi-structured interviews analyzed with axial coding to develop a framework for the budget process and its outcomes in US protected area agencies.FindingsThe visual text analysis demonstrates varying levels of coordination between agencies. The conceptual framework shows that five factors - mismatches within agencies, the influence of the Presidential administration, the power of Congress as the appropriator of funds, external forces that influence Congress, and a lack of accountability in allocations – lead to institutional fragmentation and “disparate nature enclaves”.Research limitations/implicationsInterview findings are derived from a non-representative population, and thus should not be generalized for all agencies or budget systems.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the factors influencing agency budget proposals will inform policy to make budgeting more effective for U.S. and other national protected area systems.Originality/valueFew studies have conducted qualitative analyses of federal agencies and their budgets, particularly for federal protected areas.

Primary care and community partnerships to promote age-friendly care for Hispanic older adults.

Healthcare and community collaborations have the potential to address health-related social needs. We examined the implementation of an educational initiative and collaborative intervention between a geriatric clinic and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to enhance age-friendly care for a Hispanic patient population. As part of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a geriatric clinic partnered with AAA to embed an English- and Spanish-speaking Social Service Coordinator (SSC). The SSC met with patients during new and annual visits or by referral to address What Matters and Mentation in the patient's primary language, provide education, and make social service referrals. Patients aged 60 and older, who received SSC services during a 12-month period, were defined as the intervention group (n = 112). Using a retrospective chart review, we compared them to a non-intervention group (n = 228) that received primary care. We examined available demographic and clinical data within the age-friendly areas of What Matters and Mentation. Measures included cognitive health screenings, advance care planning, patient education, and community referrals. Most of the intervention groups were eligible for AAA services and had the opportunity for service referrals to address identified needs. A higher proportion of patients within the intervention group completed screenings for cognitive health and advance care planning discussions. Interagency partnerships between ambulatory care settings and community-based organizations have the potential to expand access to linguistically and culturally competent age-friendly primary care for older adults.

Social Capital as a Framework to Address Organizational Climate Change Policy.

To examine state Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Pennsylvania for services they provide to older adults regarding extreme events and how readiness can be captured through social networks and policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Using an online survey, 79% of AAA directors answered questions describing perceptions and actions related to social capital and its influence on policy. AAAs acknowledged weather/temperature changes impact the need to prepare for common scenarios of extreme weather, temperature, and flooding. AAAs reported major social connections with county government and one state agency, with limited connections with federal agencies. Multiple opportunities exist for AAAs to consider climate change in expansion efforts, specifically regarding health care. Geriatric nurses can play a key role in expansion, advocacy, and policy development for AAAs that serve older adults in the context of climate change. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(6), 11-15.].

Growth and impact of Project ECHO for workforce development in age-friendly care.

Use of the Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model in geriatrics has increased dramatically largely because of the Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEP) utilizing it as a key tool for age-friendly, interprofessional workforce development. This manuscript describes the scope and impact of geriatrics ECHOs under the GWEP. A survey of GWEPs was conducted to measure the reach, foci, evaluation methods, and other characteristics of ECHO networks. All 48 (100%) GWEPs responded to the survey, and 30 (63%) reported using ECHO. GWEP ECHOs have both rural and urban-underserved reach across the United States, and their hub teams include many health professions. Age-friendly care is incorporated through multiple methods and is taught across foci including primary care, dementia, long term care, and novel topics. GWEP ECHOs have many academic and community partners including Area Agencies on Aging, and reach varied health professions, trainees, and caregivers. Geriatrics ECHOs collect outcomes across the evidence continuum including the community-level outcome of Age-Friendly Health System designation. The ECHO model has been widely adopted by GWEPs as a key approach for workforce training in age-friendly care. Project ECHO is a valuable tool to expand interprofessional training for the geriatrics workforce, particularly for interprofessional teams in rural and underserved areas.

National Park Service Internal Structures Toward Agency Resilience: A Mixed-Methods, Multi-Site, Mesoscale Investigation

Agencies focused on protected areas’ conservation and recreation require internal capacity-building to enhance their organizational resilience (the ability to adapt and persist). Yet, internal capacity-building is often underemphasized as agencies attend to external relationships. This omission can lessen an agency’s ability to adapt to emergent stressors and opportunities. Specifically, relationships within an agency’s groups (i.e., divisions)—the intra-organizational mesoscale between individuals and whole organizations—can increase an agency’s ability to efficiently build resilience-enhancing adaptive capacity. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) adopted this mesoscale in their Urban Agenda goal of One NPS, or building resilience-enhancing, agency-wide internal relationships. We investigated intra-organizational relationships in this context, examining relationships within (i.e., bonds) and across (i.e., bridges) three NPS groups: parks (physical spaces), programs (community outreach), and offices (administrative functions). Pairing qualitative interviews with quantitative social network analysis in Detroit, Tucson, and Boston, we examined internal relationship prevalence, supports, and opportunities. The NPS has program and office presence in each of these three urban areas but different proximities to national park units, which are the typical face of the NPS. Across these urban areas, we found that the parks group exhibits more bonds (park-to-park relationships), the programs group exhibits more bridges (program-to-park or program-to-office), and the offices group exhibits a mixture of bonds and bridges. To further One NPS and organizational resilience, cultivating bridges among the three groups is key. This investigation may inform a more strategic focusing of an agency’s limited resources. We highlight five directions for protected area managers’ consideration toward this aim: build bridges locally among groups; consider group composition when identifying divisions (i.e., programs appear more heterogeneous or dissimilar from each other than do the park and office groups); reflect on parks’ centrality to NPS identity and relationships; seek organizational structures supportive of relationship development; and focus on the organizational mesoscale for resilience-enhancing adaptive capacity. These directions for strategic focusing of organizational resources are based in the longstanding work of the NPS but ultimately transcend this single agency, providing targeted guidance for protected area agencies in building internal capacity toward external, public-oriented goals.

Efektivitas Hukum Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Maluku Utara: Studi Kasus Pulau Rao

The use of prohibited fishing gear continues to pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. The Regional Water Conservation Area Agency (Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Daerah or KKPD) in North Maluku plays a crucial role in educating the public on responsible fishing practices for the sustainability of the region. However, insufficient socialization and monitoring in the conservation area of Pulau Mare have led to illegal fishing activities that harm the ecosystem. Lack of transparency in information regarding the performance of the KKPD becomes a challenge, leaving the community unaware of the progress in surveillance, rehabilitation, and utilization by the agency. This research analyzes the legal effectiveness of water conservation area management in North Maluku Province, focusing on the Pulau Rao-Tanjung Dehegila Conservation Area. The research employs a juridical-empirical method with primary data obtained through interviews and secondary data from literature studies. Ministerial Decree No. 67/KEPMEN-KP/2020 and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 31/PERMEN-KP/2020 mandate proper management. However, the implementation of these regulations has yet to be effective. In conclusion, water conservation area management in North Maluku requires increased socialization to raise awareness and garner public support for established programs. Further efforts are needed to ensure the effectiveness of these programs.

Stakeholders’ Perspectives on an Area Agency on Aging Serving Urban Older Adults

ABSTRACT Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), authorized by the 1965 Older Americans Act, seek to promote “age-friendly” communities by offering services that help older adults live independently. This study used Qualtrics survey data (n = 94 respondents) to identify unmet needs for AAA services in the Detroit metropolitan area. Descriptive statistical analyses were used for closed-ended items and content analysis was used to identify themes from open-ended questions. This needs assessment aims to provide the opportunity for in-depth, meaningful input from stakeholders about areas relevant to strategic planning efforts that enhance and enrich older adult programming in an urban AAA service area. Key themes included the need to collaborate with transportation providers, partner with healthcare and hospitals, market the agency to enhance visibility, promote aging in place, address demographic changes, and improve access to older adult services and caregiver support. Findings suggest the importance of providing accessible, high-quality services that promote aging in place through community outreach and collaboration activities.

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF LAY-DELIVERED INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL

Abstract The second speaker will describe the background, aims, methods, and progress of a PCORI-funded RCT to reduce rehospitalization for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino older adults after medical hospitalization. Across three regional hospitals, 402 older adults living with chronic illness (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension etc.,) will be enrolled while inpatient at one of our three partnering hospitals and randomized to receive one of three interventions in this comparative effectiveness trial: (1) the evidence-based Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), (2) CTI plus a peer educator intervention (CTI+Peer), or (3) usual care. Participants are assessed at 4 timepoints (baseline, 30 days, 90 days and 6 months) to examine differences in the primary outcomes of 30-day all cause hospital readmissions and emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, self-efficacy managing chronic disease, functioning, perceived social support and mortality. CTI Coaches and Peer educators participate in rigorous trainings which includes both didactic and interactive components to ensure interventionists are able to deliver the intervention with fidelity to the models. After training, CTI Coaches and Peer Educators participate in regular supervision meetings. They receive weekly virtual supervision check-ins from USF study staff and participate in a monthly group-based supervision in person. This trial involves close collaboration with leaders and coordinators at each hospital and an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for recruitment, engagement of study interventionists and study dissemination. Across sites, 18 CTI Coaches and 11 Peer Educators have been trained and certified, and 145 participants have been enrolled (as of 3/8/2023).

STAR CAREGIVERS: IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM IN REAL-WORLD SETTINGS

Abstract Evidence-based non-pharmacological community programs to improve care of older adults with dementia are growing. However, many programs have historically been tested in research studies that fail to reach medically underserved populations or communities with unique service needs. STAR-Caregivers (STAR-C, also known as STAR-Community Consultants) is an evidence-based psychosocial support and skill training program designed to teach family caregivers how to identify and increase pleasant events, improve communication, and use behavioral problem-solving skills to reduce the problems experienced by their family member with dementia while improving quality of life for both persons in the caregiver-care receiver dyad. Since its original randomized controlled trial in 2005, STAR-C has been translated in a variety of real-world settings, including in Area Agencies on Aging throughout Oregon and Washington state. This symposium describes three recent new translation efforts: (1) implementation of STAR-C as a virtual training program (STAR-VTF) for caregivers of persons with dementia who are part of the Kaiser Permanente Washington health care system; (2) cultural adaptation of STAR-VTF for Latino caregivers, and (3) incorporation of STAR-C into a largely rural community care setting in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic using Amazon Echo technology to conduct telehealth community dyad STAR-C sessions and connect clients to supplemental services. Each presenter will discuss the dementia care needs in their respective populations, the challenges encountered in translation of STAR-C to serve target caregiving dyads, and lessons learned regarding treatment effectiveness and program sustainability.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATOR AND OLDER ADULT EXPERIENCES WITH INTERVENTIONS DELIVERED BY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract This symposium will include researchers, collaborators from healthcare and social service organizations, and older adults serving as volunteer coaches or peer educators; speakers will describe their experiences conducting two randomized controlled trials involving behavioral interventions for older adults delivered by older adults. The first trial is a NIMH-funded three-site RCT for community-dwelling older adults with symptoms of depression, in which participants receive behavioral activation delivered by a masters-level clinician or a streamlined version (“Do More, Feel Better”) delivered by an older adult volunteer. This trial involves close collaboration with senior centers and an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The second trial is a PCORI-funded RCT to reduce health disparities for Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino older adults after medical hospitalization, in which participants receive the evidence-based Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), CTI plus a peer educator intervention, or usual care. This trial involves close collaboration with three regional hospital systems and an AAA. First, research investigators will describe the background, rationale, and methodology of each trial. Second, two representatives from the collaborating organizations (one from each trial) will present about their experiences collaborating on these trials – benefits of collaborating, challenges and strategies for overcoming challenges, and recommendations for other researchers engaged in similar community-based research. Third, two representatives from the older adult volunteers and peer educators (one from each trial) will present about their experiences collaborating on these trials – benefits of collaborating, challenges and strategies for overcoming challenges, and recommendations for other researchers engaged in similar community-based research.

RURAL OLDER ADULTS’ VIEWS OF DEPRESCRIBING AND NONPHARMACOLOGICAL METHODS IN PAIN TREATMENT

Abstract Proper pain management is essential to quality of life. Due to the risks of harmful drug interactions, there has been an increasing effort to reduce medication that may be harmful or ineffective (i.e., deprescribing) and to promote non-medication based (i.e., non-pharmacological) strategies in pain management. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the views of deprescribing and non-pharmacological methods in pain management among community-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic health conditions. Eligibility criteria included: 65+, Alabama resident living outside of nursing homes, cognitively intact, have two or more chronic health conditions and chronic pain, and take medications for their health conditions including pain medications. Participants were recruited through the Area Agency on Aging across the state of Alabama as well as other community venues serving older adults. Individual, open-ended interviews were conducted by phone to explore their concerns about medications, their views of deprescribing and using non-pharmacological pain management as well as their needs in doing so. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed various barriers and needs: concerns about various side effects while also worrying about missing out benefits from the medications if reduced or stopped, uncertainty or skepticism toward non-pharmacological pain treatment, lacking financial and logistical access to non-pharmacological options, and lack of knowledge about available non-pharmacological options and their benefits. These findings have implications for future education and advocacy efforts to promote older adults’ knowledge and self-efficacy so that they can consider deprescribing and non-pharmacological methods in managing their pain.

GERIATRIC WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS AS AAA AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES PARTNER

Abstract The Health Resources and Services Administration funded 48 Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) to partner with community-based organizations in addressing gaps in health care for older adults, promoting Age-Friendly ecosystems, and addressing social determinants of health. This paper discusses three GWEPs collaborative projects with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that deliver community-based programs . The University of Utah’s GWEP, a rural AAA, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs provided a hybrid Dementia Caregiver Conference to six counties, reaching 65 in-person attendees and 10 senior centers online. Attendees agreed the content met their educational needs, would positively influence care, and was motivation to form a caregiver coalition. The University of Louisville Trager Institute (Trager), AAA, and Kentucky Coalition for Healthy Communities provided focused regional training and sharing of community resources utilizing the Project ECHO training model for 11 AAA regions, reaching 412 home and community-based services professionals. The University of North Texas Health Science Center, AAA, and emergency management services expanded evidence-based programs in falls prevention, medication safety, and dementia caregiving, serving an additional 23 urban postal codes, rural counties, and over 1,900 individuals. These examples utilize unique community relationships and partnership strategies to identify local needs, maximize older adult and family caregiver engagement, measure outcomes, and achieve GWEP goals to educate diverse, underserved and rural communities.

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF LAY-DELIVERED INTERVENTION FOR DEPRESSED OLDER ADULTS

Abstract The first speaker will describe the background, aims, methods, and progress of an ongoing NIMH collaborative R01, three-site RCT. Across three sites (University of Washington, Cornell Weill Medicine, and University of South Florida), 288 depressed older adults will be enrolled, randomized to receive 9 sessions of BA from clinicians (e.g., social worker or mental health counselor) or 9 sessions of DMFB from a trained older adult volunteer coach, and assessed on primary outcomes (Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale [BADS], Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [Ham-D]) and other outcomes at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, 24-, and 36-weeks. Clinician BA training and certification involves two 2-hour training workshops including didactics, demonstration, and role play; followed by delivering the intervention with one “certification” client reviewed and approved by external raters. Coach DMFB training and certification follow a similar process, except that training is longer (4 2-hour workshops) with more didactics, demonstrations, and role plays. After training, clinicians and coaches participate in regular weekly supervision, and all client sessions are audio-recorded, with at least one session per client randomly selected for independent review. This trial involves close collaboration with representative of a county lead aging service agency, numerous senior centers and organizations, and an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for recruitment, outreach events, engagement of clinicians and volunteer coaches, and study dissemination. Across sites, 24 clinicians and 23 volunteers have been trained and certified, and 124 participants have been enrolled (as of February 15, 2023).

A GERIATRIC EDUCATION COURSE SPANNING COMMUNITY AND HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract To address gaps in the geriatrics-trained workforce, we implemented a Geriatric Resource Certificate (GRC) for interprofessional learners from healthcare and community provider settings. This program combines online self-paced didactics, real-time virtual lectures, and a real-world virtual team care planning experience. The education incorporates the 4Ms of the Age Friendly Framework and spans the geriatric experience from healthy aging through end-of-life. It includes Dementia Friends and ECHO sessions. The goal is to training people from a variety of care settings to be resource people regarding geriatric issues, much like the NICHE program in acute care. We had 37 learners who completed evaluations. Practice settings included ACO, Hospice, Emergency Department, nursing homes, hospitals, primary care, Area Agencies on Aging, and other community providers. Overall, the online didactics were rated an average of 4.53 on a 5 point Likert scale and the real-time lectures were rated an average of 4.41. The average score for “the GRC will help me provide care over the continuum” was 4.59. The average for the real team was 4.07, 4.26 for the ECHO, and 4.45 for Dementia Friends. All learners indicated they would refer others to the GRC. These results indicate that the GRC is an effective method to impart basic geriatric training into communities and raise awareness of resources available to assist older adults in maintaining their independence. In this era of high healthcare workforce turnover and staffing shortages, improving geriatric knowledge by training on-site geriatric resource staff is one way to improve care for older adults.

COMPREHENSIVE MALNUTRITION ASSESSMENT IMPROVES HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Approximately 30 percent of older adults are malnourished upon hospital admission while others develop malnutrition during hospitalization and subsequent discharge. High hospital readmission rates are associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition is common among older adults discharged to home and receiving home delivered meals. However, there is limited research on the appropriate malnutrition care for this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel social determinants of health (SDOH)-based comprehensive malnutrition assessment (CMA) on malnutrition treatment and functionality. A pilot study of 46 participants recruited from northern Utah Area Agencies on Aging Nutrition Programs was conducted. The SDOH-CMA was performed during home visitations by a registered dietitian nutritionists for both the intervention and control groups over a six-month period. Logistic regression was then conducted to compare the effect of the SDOH-based CMA on malnutrition as assessed by the Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) between intervention and control groups. Odds ratios (OR) with p values were reported. At baseline, 91.4% of participants were white, 54% were female, 76% were unmarried, 67% lived below the federal poverty level, 61% lived alone, 51% received home health, 51% had anxiety, 33% had PHQ-2 screened depression, 22% were unable to cook, and 13% were unable to shop. The intervention group had significant improvements in the NFPE (OR=10.1, p=.02), calorie intake (OR= 19.6, p=.02), protein intake (OR=36.7, p =.007) and the Timed Up and Go test (OR=7.7, p=.05) than the control group. The intervention was significantly effective in improving nutritional status and functionality.

IMPLEMENTING AN AREA AGENCY ON AGING COMMUNITY CARE TRANSITION INITIATIVE: FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

Abstract The Michigan Region VII Area Agency on Aging (AAA) implemented a Community Care Transition Initiative (CCTI) for rural hospitalized older adults at high risk for readmission. After discharge home, AAA CCTI participants received a home visit by an AAA-trained pharmacy technician community health worker (CHW), a telehealth AAA pharmacist medication review, assessments by the CHW and pharmacist, education, primary care follow-up coaching, and referrals. As part of a program evaluation, we conducted six interviews with AAA key informants (e.g., pharmacist, director, CHWs). A semi-structured interview guide was piloted and revised to assess implementation, processes, impact, and future directions. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, transcribed, and checked for accuracy. Thematic analysis was used to identify implementation facilitators, barriers, and areas for program refinement. Three researchers coded the transcripts, developed a codebook, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. NVivo 14® was used for data management and analysis. Barriers to AAA CCTI implementation included unknowns at project start and need for procedures, anxiety about entering a client’s house, client’s lack of familiarity with technology, lack of perceived pharmacist benefit, limited personnel, and billing or financial reimbursement. Facilitators identified were the AAA’s reputation and backing, relationships built between healthcare providers, referral processes (e.g., community mental health), and pharmacist telehealth visit efficiency. Program refinements included shortened follow-up time and tailored visits to different client situations and needs. The results provide insights into the design of implementation strategies to disseminate the AAA CCTI to meet rural older adults’ health and social needs after hospitalization.

STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON AN AREA AGENCIES ON AGING SERVING URBAN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in urban areas play a critical role in helping older adults maintain and enhance their quality of life. The Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), recognizing the importance of involving Detroit area seniors and community stakeholders in long-term strategic initiatives, funded a comprehensive needs assessment of the region’s seniors. This study reports findings from an online survey in the winter of 2020, (n=94) aimed at identifying stakeholder views of DAAA programs and services. We used descriptive statistical analyses for closed-ended items and content analysis to identify themes from open-ended questions. Most respondents were either direct service purchase vendors (34.0%) or contractors (22.3%). The highest ranked perceived agency role was information and assistance (mean=2.41; SD=1.02), followed by direct service provision (mean=2.45; SD=1.52), coordination of aging services (mean=2.63; SD=1.54), education (mean=3.40; SD=1.11), and training (mean=4.10; SD=0.99). The most commonly mentioned areas needed for the region to become age-friendly were supportive community services (66.3%), public transportation (44.9%), safety and security (41.6%), available and affordable housing (40.4%), access to healthcare (38.2%), and housing maintenance/modification (24.7%). The most common themes from open-ended responses included outreach, collaboration, and promoting aging in place. These findings suggest the imperative of providing accessible, high-quality services that promote aging in place in urban areas through community outreach and collaboration activities. Detroit area seniors are a vital community resource, and ongoing stakeholder input is needed as part of collaborative efforts to meet their complex emerging health and social needs.

THE ROLE OF AREA AGENCIES ON AGING IN PUBLIC HEALTH VACCINATION CAMPAIGNS: FINDINGS FROM A NATIONAL SURVEY

Abstract When COVID-19 vaccinations became available, AAAs played a critical role in ensuring that older adults could receive the lifesaving vaccine. AAAs built on their existing service expertise and vast partnership networks to quickly implement vaccine outreach and education, scheduling support, transportation and other supportive services to attend the appointment, and age-friendly and culturally appropriate vaccination clinics. The CDC recognized AAAs’ early contributions and awarded $50 million to support continuation of these activities. In early 2023, the Aging and Disability Networks received an additional $75 million from ACL, awarded to USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, to fund local efforts across the United States to increase vaccine uptake among older adults and people with disabilities, targeting individuals from rural, minority, and disadvantaged backgrounds. This paper describes how AAAs were uniquely positioned to assume this expanded public health role and specific characteristics that contributed to their readiness. Data from the 2022 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging (n=457 AAAs, 74% response rate) describe new and expanded AAA activities and partnerships that support public health efforts. We will discuss implications for community partnerships to improve public health and look ahead to measuring the impact of these vaccine promotion activities.